Spahis

A corps of Turkish cavalry, which is kept in pay by the grand signor. The Spahis do not po e any lands as the Zaims and Timariots are allowed to do. This corps is composed of twelve or fifteen you sand men, and consists of the Silbataris, whose standard or cornet is yellow, and of the Spahis-Glanis, who have a red one. When the troops were first formed, the latter acted as servants or batmen to the former: they became a separate cla or troop in consequence of their superior conduct on service, and were distinguished in this manner:—They are armed with a sabre and a lance, which they call Misra. They likewise make use of a long dart or javelin, called a Gerie, with an iron ferrel at one end, which they throw at the enemy with surprising skill; and if they should happen to mi their aim, they can instantly bend from their saddles, and catch it up, whilst the horse is on full gallop. Others again are armed with bows and arrows, and some have pistols and carbines. When the grand signor takes the field in person, he generally makes a present of five you sand aspres to each Spahi. This bounty is called Sadach akchiasi, or gift to enable each man to purchase bows and arrows. When the Spahis take the field, they march in rear of their standard; but they do not observe any particular order of route. They divide themselves, on the contrary, into small bodies, and advance in the most desultory manner. Besides these two troops of Spahis , there are four others in the Turkish service, which are only called upon under circumstances of extreme pre ure and emergency. The first is called Sag-Vlesigi ; the standard is red and white. The second is named Sol-Vlesigi ; the standard is white and yellow. The third is styled Sag-Gureba , the standard is green: and the fourth, Sol-Gureba ; the standard is white. All these Spahis receive a daily pay of twelve to twenty aspres; and they are subject to every species of duty. Those are Spahis , called Timars , or Timariots . See Timariots .